Q & A

A hair extension is a beauty product designed to give you the appearance of longer and/or fuller hair. Hair extensions are made of synthetic material or real human hair and are attached to your natural hair by a variety of techniques such as a weave (sewing), hot fusion, tape-in, cold fusion, bonding, metal clips, micro ring or micro loops, and more. The type of technique you select as well as the quality and volume of the hair you choose all affect cost. Hair extensions can last anywhere from three weeks to six months, depending on the application technique. For example, tape-in extensions may last approximately four weeks, while extensions applied using a hot fusion technique may stay in for up to six months. The hot fusion technique takes longer, costs more, and requires more training on the part of the hair stylist, but the result is more natural-looking extensions that can be washed and heat-styled with confidence.

A mobile hairdresser is a cosmetologist trained to cut, color and style hair who can provide hairdressing services at remote locations. Often, mobile hairdressers are hired for events such as weddings, bachelorette parties, prom night, birthdays and other occasions. The hairstylist can come to your location to do your hair, or provide hairstyling for your group.

For events, mobile hairstylists more often provide updos and formal styles than highlights or hair color. Mobile hairdressers bring all the necessary hairstyling tools and products such as lotions and sprays to create your look. The national average cost for a hairstylist is $70-$110. Pricing for different services can vary greatly depending on stylist reputation, training and regional rates. For example, haircuts could range between $35 and $150, while hair coloring services could range in price from $65 to $200. Some mobile hairstylists may include the cost of travel in their fees, while other may have it as an added charge, such as 50 cents to $1 for each mile beyond their standard service range.

A hairstylist can provide you with a cut, color or highlights, or style your hair for an event. The national average cost for a hairstylist is $70-$110, but prices can vary greatly depending on the service you receive, where you live, and the salon’s or hairdresser’s reputation. A good rule of thumb is to tip your hairstylist 20 percent of your total bill. In smaller towns, 15 percent may be the norm, but in larger cities 20 percent is generally the baseline. If you frequent a salon where the shampooer, colorist, and hair cutter are all different people, you can divide that 20 percent among those service providers in proportion to the skill level and time required to do their job. Many hairstylists rent a chair from the salon and must pay a monthly rent to the salon owner.

A wedding means love, celebration and tons of wedding photos. Professional wedding makeup artists have you looking your best on your big day and forever after in your wedding photos. The national average cost for a wedding makeup artist is $70-$100, although this price can increase based on your location, the extent of the makeup services and the reputation of the makeup artist. Most wedding makeup artists offer discounts to brides who book group services for their maids, mothers and flower girls at the same time. Wedding makeup artists who also do wedding hair usually offer package rates for hair and makeup combos. Here are some examples of average wedding makeup pricing:

Bridal makeup: $85-$125. Pricing often includes full face, eyes, lips, brows and false eyelashes. Airbrush makeup may be an additional $20 or more.

Bridal hair and makeup: $150-$200.

Bridesmaid and bridal party makeup: $50-$100 per person.

Bridesmaid hair and makeup: $100-$150.

Flower girl makeup: $25-$35.

Trial sessions: $60-$120, depending on the makeup artist. Some charge their full rate and others charge a partial rate for trial makeup services.

Hourly rates to stay on and keep makeup touched up throughout reception: $35-$75 per hour.

Travel fees: 50 cents to $1 per additional mile beyond a set radius — such as 50 miles.